Anti-Mormon protesters at the October 2011 LDS General Conference

Anti-Mormon protesters at the
October 2011 LDS General Conference

This photo essay provides a small glimpse of the efforts of some critics of the Church. These pictures were taken by Allen Wyatt, October 1-2, 2011, in Salt Lake City, during an LDS General Conference. Protesters positioned themselves around Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, with most of them along North Temple Street, between Temple Square and the Conference Center. The signs are not silently held; many of the critics are “preaching” about the Mormons at the top of their voices. (I was condemned to hell by the first critic I ran into on Saturday morning.)

Under each picture you will find a few comments, as well as some links that provide additional information that explain the sensationalistic claims of the protesters.

The pictures provided here focus on the messages of the protesters. While the methods of the protesters (waving signs, yelling, and otherwise being obnoxious) may be unattractive, the messages of many of the signs can be readily agreed with by many LDS. (Not all signs, but many.) That the protesters would believe that the LDS don’t agree with their message is troubling to many, and it shows a profound misunderstand of LDS beliefs on the part of those protesting.

We allow all people to worship who, where, or what they may—and trust the reader can determine if picketing during worship services is Christian behavior.

Many non-Members (and certainly these critics) believe that Mormonism is a cult.Mormonism is a cult?—Critics claim that the Church is “a cult.” (Link)

Latter-day Saints aren’t Christians?—Critics claim that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not “Christian.” A related claim is that the Church has only recently begun to portray itself as “Christian” in order to gain adherents. (Link)

There is nothing objectionable on this placard—Mormons believe there is one God, one way,
and that way is through the Lord Jesus Christ.Is Jesus Christ Necessary?

Some Christians believe that you can get to heaven simply by professing belief in Jesus Christ and
having faith. Others believe that you must do good works to make it to heaven. This critic takes
exception with the LDS belief in doing good works, but ignores our belief in the saving grace of God.Grace and works—How do the LDS see the relationship between works and grace? (Link)

Some critics try to say that Mormons believe (or infer) that you must be perfect in order to be saved.
We don’t believe that; we believe we can only become perfect through the Atonement of Christ.Why Must We Repent?

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